In this "Roundtable" edition of Maryland Now, hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin dive into the quirky, surprising, and often controversial world of Maryland’s official state symbols. From the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair to classroom lobbying efforts by elementary school students, the group explores how 26 different icons—ranging from the iconic blue crab to the prehistoric Astrodon johnstoni—became part of the state’s official identity.

The episode goes behind the scenes of the legislative "sausage-making" in Annapolis, revealing why some symbols represent deep-seated heritage while others are the result of persistent student campaigns, political compromises, and even a bit of lighthearted debate over the state’s official dessert.

In This Episode:

• The World’s Fair Spark: How a 19th-century disagreement over a national flower led to the "snowball effect" of state symbols across all 50 states.
• The "Bad Bill" of 2001: The humorous story of how a group of Allegany County students successfully lobbied for the Calico Cat, despite pushback from legislators who thought the General Assembly had "gone to the cats."
• The Jousting vs. Lacrosse Compromise: A look at the legislative maneuver that kept Maryland’s traditional state sport intact while elevating Lacrosse to its own official status.
• The Smith Island Cake Crusade: How a humble multi-layered dessert from a small island community became a staple of Maryland pride (and a lesson in the power of grassroots lobbying).
• Repealing History: A serious look at the 2021 decision to officially repeal "Maryland, My Maryland" as the state song and the ongoing search for a replacement.
• Dinosaur Drama: Why a 112-million-year-old "Star Tooth" found in Prince George’s County is the only dinosaur officially recognized by the Free State.

Questions or Story Ideas: Email us at marylandnow@blendedpublicaffairs.com.

Audio and technical support by Nate Carper of Carper Creative.

Maryland Now is brought to you by Blended Public Affairs.

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• (00:00) - Welcome to Maryland Now
• (00:23) - Origins of State Symbols
• (02:01) - Food Talk and Flag Pride
• (03:16) - New Symbols and State Song
• (07:04) - Square Dance Deep Dive
• (08:58) - Henry Ford and Big Square Dance
• (11:28) - Maryland Makes It Official
• (18:11) - Jousting State Sport Story
• (21:30) - Lacrosse vs Jousting Politics
• (24:35) - Jousting Politics Backstory
• (27:15) - Walking State Exercise Saga
• (28:55) - Ehrlich Veto and Kids March
• (30:22) - Smith Island Cake Becomes Law
• (32:34) - Cake Lobbying and Ethics
• (36:17) - Calico Cat Origin Story
• (38:22) - Student Lobbying Playbook
• (41:34) - Survey Data and Senate Help
• (43:19) - Opposition and Final Votes
• (46:28) - Wrap Up and Postscript